Overview
- The Defence Procurement Board approved the Indian Air Force plan for 114 Rafale fighters, the first major step before DAC and CCS decisions.
- The package is tentatively valued at about ₹3.25 lakh crore, with cost negotiations still to come.
- Most aircraft are expected to be built in India after an initial tranche of roughly 12–18 fly-away jets, with indigenous content reported in the 30–60% range.
- India has set hard terms that include integration of indigenous weapons and secure data links, along with technology transfer for airframes and supplier participation from firms such as Safran and Thales.
- The move aims to arrest a fighter shortfall of about 29 squadrons versus an authorised 42.5, with India and France seeking to reach an agreement during a proposed Modi–Macron meeting in February, subject to approvals.